Compsognathus
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A small two-legged meat-eating dinosaur from the late Jurassic
- noun
- /ˌkɒmpsəɡˈnæθəs/
- Specialized
:
Compsognathus
- Though not recognized as such at the time of its discovery, Compsognathus is the very first dinosaur identified from a reasonably complete skeleton and the smallest and closest supposed relative of the early bird Archaeopteryx.
Examples
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Fossils of the Compsognathus have been found in Europe, revealing its small size and agility.
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Scientists believe the Compsognathus used its speed to evade larger predators.
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Compsognathus, look how they move.
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The Compsognathus sprinted across the ancient landscape in search of small prey.
Surface Forms
Compsognathus singular
Compsognathi plural
Etymology
Compsognathus comes from Greek parts comps- and -gnathus, which mean 'elegant' and 'jaw'. That's why the name means 'elegant jaw' or 'delicate jaw' and helps you remember this small, fast meat-eating dinosaur with a fine, slender jaw.